Soroptimist International is a worldwide organization which holds consultative status with various United Nations bodies and agencies particularly CSW – Commission on the Status of Women which meets each March in New York; and ECOSOC the Economic and Social Council.
International and Federation conferences enable Soroptimists to find out what is going on in their name at local and International levels. Conferences are held all over the world and any member can choose to attend. SI Bebington belongs to the Federation Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, which includes countries in Africa, the West Indies, Asia as well as the UK. Recent conferences have been in Belfast , Newcastle, Cardiff and in 2016 in Malta.
In addition to well known speakers such as George Alagiah, Sandi Toksvig, Simon Weston and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, conference goers hear reports on SI projects, take part in events and vote on important issues. The picture below shows nine Club members who attended the SIGBI Malta Conference in November 2016 , when we ‘wore it pink’ uniting together against the scourge of Breast Cancer. Clubs also use Conference as an opportunity to let others know about their work and there are often stalls with craftwork etc for sale.
SI Bebington members have acted as stewards at Conference. While there is plenty happening at the conference site, delegates often make time for shopping and sightseeing at the various venues. And of course we always sample the local eateries!